AUSTIN (August 3, 2012)--Top Republicans are signaling that lawmakers will likely carve out another lean state budget next year even though the Texas economy is humming along for now.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said Friday that an estimated $9.4 billion in additional spending that’s needed to keep up with rising population and demand is "sobering."

Officials said most of that money will go toward education, Medicaid and prison health costs.

The state comptroller's office projects the state economy will slow down next year because of national trends and the European financial crisis.